"Amy and Patricia in particular were my mentors, they were my rock throughout my time on the show," she tells The Guide.

"They really taught me the basics of the industry and led a great example for me and gave me a lot of great advice that I will take on for the rest of my career."

Scanlen says despite the show's dark content, the cast helped keep the mood light-hearted on set during the five months of filming.

Amy Adams in a scene from Sharp Objects. Supplied

"There were definitely some scenes that I left feeling a bit shaken and I think most of the scenes I came out of feeling just totally exhausted, emotionally and physically," she says.

"For me that was a sign that I'd done the right thing and I'd done my job."

Her job involved bringing a complex character to life.

"She has a dual personality - at home she's quite docile and demure and she's constantly living up to her mother's expectations, and when she's outside of home she's quite the opposite," Scanlen says.

"She's the rebellious teen who likes to live life on the wild side.

"She's a very dynamic character. She's on the brink of womanhood, and is trying to work out her place in the world."

Eliza Scanlen in a scene from the TV series Sharp Objects.Supplied

Scanlen, who has been praised by her co-stars, labelled a "scene stealer" by Entertainment Weekly, and dubbed one of television's 10 rising stars by The Hollywood Reporter for the role is modest about her success.

"I'm so flattered by the compliments and the praise that has come my way and I almost feel undeserving of it because acting and making TV and film is such a collaboration," she says.

The 19-year-old Sydney actor also gives credit to her Summer Bay start.

"I think Home and Away is really good for actors, especially actors starting out. It teaches you a lot of the basics of filmmaking - I didn't know what standing on your mark meant when I started."